Hysterectomy and Partial Hysterectomy

Here to help you alleviate symtpoms from uterine complications.

Our Methodist Women's Center OB/GYN physicians can diagnose conditions that may result in a partial of full hysterectomy or explore alternatives to hysterectomy.

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Surgery can be performed through a variety of methods, including an abdominal or vaginal incision and vaginal laparoscope assistance. During surgery, other organs may be removed as well.

Types of hysterectomies:

Total hysterectomy — removal of the entire uterus, including the part of the uterus above the opening to the fallopian tubes (the fundus) and the cervix. A total hysterectomy does not include tubes or ovaries.

Hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy — removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and one or both ovaries.

Radical hysterectomy — removal of the uterus, cervix, most of the tissue surrounding the cervix and removal of the top portion of the vagina. May also include removal of pelvic lymph nodes.

Causes for a Hysterectomy

Conditions that can result in the need for a hysterectomy include:

Fibroid tumors

Blockage of intestines or the bladder by the uterus or a growth

Severe endometriosis

Uterine prolapse

Uterine or cervical cancer

Endometrial hyperplasia

Treatments

Your Methodist Physicians Clinic OB/GYN will discuss with you the benefits and risks of each type of treatment, as the methods determined depend on the problem and severity of the symptoms. There are alternative treatments that many women explore prior to determining that a hysterectomy is right for them. Alternatives can include medications, hormone therapy, uterine artery embolization or other surgeries.

If it is determined that a hysterectomy is the right path for your situation, there are four procedures to perform the surgery:

Abdominal hysterectomy

The uterus is removed through a vertical or horizontal abdominal incision that is about six to eight inches long. This is the most common technique when ovaries and fallopian tubes are also being removed, when the disease has spread to other parts of the pelvic cavity, or when the uterus is enlarged.

Vaginal hysterectomy

The uterus is removed through the vaginal opening. No external incisions are made. This procedure is most common in cases of uterine prolapse or when other vaginal repairs are necessary.

Laparoscope-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

The vaginal hysterectomy is performed with the assistance of a laparoscope (a flexible tube containing a video camera). Thin tubes are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen near the navel and the uterus is removed in sections through the vagina.

Robotic-assisted surgery

Your doctor uses a special machine (robot) to do the surgery through small cuts in your belly, much like a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Prior to the surgery, your OB/GYN will discuss with you what to expect before, during and after the surgery. This includes the types of anesthesia necessary to make the surgery as pain-free as possible as well as how to take care of your self after being released from the hospital.